The Essential Services Commission commenced operations on 1 January 2002 as Victoria’s independent economic regulator of prescribed essential utility services supplied by the electricity, gas, ports and rail freight industries. In January 2004 the Commission's role was extended to include regulation of Victoria’s water and sewerage services. In 2009 the Commission assumed administration of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Scheme.

Local Government Rates Capping Framework

The Essential Services Commission received a terms of reference (TOR) from the Minister for Finance (in consultation with the Minister for Local Government) to conduct a review and report on a local government rates capping framework.